16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsMediumAgreement with 'neither... nor' and a plural nearer subject

Standard English Conventions practice question

Neither the manager nor the players ____ willing to comment after the match.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

  1. A. wereCorrect
  2. B. was
  3. C. is
  4. D. being

Answer: A. were

The verb agrees with the nearer subject, 'players'.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. was
Agrees with 'manager', the farther subject.
C. is
Singular and present.
D. being
Not a finite verb.

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